A century-old non secular custom on the Jersey Shore is as soon as towards on the heart of a authorized conflict.
A decide has dominated a nonprofit Christian group in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, can resume closing seashore entry on Sunday mornings, however the remaining resolution is as much as the state.
Ocean Grove has closed seashore entry for worship for many years
Typically referred to as “God’s Sq. Mile,” Ocean Grove is thought for its family-friendly seashore and numerous Victorian houses. It’s privately owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Assembly Affiliation.
The Christian group lengthy noticed quiet Sunday mornings, which included closing its beaches for worship from 9 a.m. to midday.
Many residents and guests have defended the custom.
“Simply to have a bit peace and quiet so you’ll be able to come to church and worship,” Marilyn Cusick, of Neptune, mentioned. “I do not assume it is that a lot of a burden for even residents or guests right here as a result of it is solely three hours that they are closing the seashore on Sundays. And in addition, in the event that they actually need to get on the seashore, they’ll come via Bradley or Asbury Park.”
The New Jersey Division of Environmental Safety ended the long-standing custom almost two years in the past when it ordered the affiliation to cease blocking entry to the seashore from the boardwalk on Sundays, citing public entry legal guidelines,
“To place up the gates and inform those that on Sundays that they’ve to attend till 12:00 to go on the seashore, I do not assume it is proper,” Chris Patterson, a seashore customer, mentioned.
“It appears absurd to me that anybody would return in time and shut down these seashores within the morning,” Kevin Cole, of Ocean Grove, mentioned.
Choose sides with Christian group’s attraction
The Christian group appealed the state’s order and an administrative decide sided with them, which suggests the seashores may doubtlessly be closed once more on Sunday mornings.
“This city was based mostly on it. And I feel it is an OK factor as a result of it is a part of the religion,” Norma Jean Gustavsen, one other seashore customer, mentioned.
CBS Information New York reached out to NJDEP and the Ocean Grove Camp Assembly Affiliation, however there’s been no touch upon the decide’s ruling from both aspect to date.
In the end, the NJDEP commissioner will make the ultimate resolution on the difficulty this month. The state legal professional basic requested them to maintain the seashore open on Sundays.
